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It took me a long time to realize that even in Tech, the reason many choose the founder/startup track is simply because their basic middle class lifestyle and r
by lumost 5y ago
It took me a long time to realize that even in Tech, the reason many choose the founder/startup track is simply because their basic middle class lifestyle and retirement were assured from the day they were born. Otherwise it simply would never be financially wise to take a job at a hot startup, or start your own business. Meanwhile there are many engineers who actively choose this lifestyle.
- wing-_-nuts 5y agoI was naive and blind to this fact for way too long. I just assumed that everyone that founded a startup had a cast iron constitution and could somehow stomach the risk of destitution if it failed. It only later dawned on me how little risk these people were taking. It was almost all 'opportunity cost' for them.
- HeyImAlex 5y agoLook at any field that’s somewhat prestigious but oversaturated enough that owners can pay poverty wages and you’ll find a ton of rich kids trying to live their dream! See art, film, journalism, architecture, political staffers. Can you blame them? I think it’s important that young folks see this and internalize it so they’re not caught with tens of thousands of dollars in student debt in a field that ultimately depends on time and luck. You’re risking a lot more than many of your peers, and you’re going to have less freedom and energy to make it work.